Yellow Mandevilla and Caterpillars

by Amanda Flanigan

Caterpillars can be both beneficial and damaging to your garden.

Mandeville (Mandevilla laxa) is an adaptable vine that thrives in most soil types as long as it receives good drainage. It produces showy blooms in various colors, all with a yellow center. Also called Chilean jasmine, mandeville grows in U.S. Department of Agricultural hardiness zones 8 through 11. Like other garden plants, the mandeville is susceptible to damage from leaf-eating caterpillars.

Caterpillars

Various species of leaf-eating caterpillars can feed on the mandeville but the oleander caterpillar (Syntomeida epilais) is the most common culprit. It is easily recognized by its bright orange body and tufts of black hairs. The oleander caterpillar is found in just about any location where mandeville grows, except for California. Other types of caterpillars that feed on mandeville are fall webworm, leafroller, tent caterpillars and various other butterfly and moth larvae. No matter what the species, the method of caterpillar control is the same.

Organic Caterpillar Control

Using organic methods to control caterpillar should always be the first option since they do not add unnecessary chemicals to your environment. One way to control the caterpillars are to manually pick them off the mandeville by gloved hands and place them in a bucket of soapy water. Another option is to introduce natural predators to your garden that feed on caterpillars. Several beneficial predators -- birds, lizards, small mammals and other insects -- feed on caterpillars, naturally keeping their numbers under control.

Chemical Caterpillar Control

For a safer chemical control, use Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a bacterium insecticide that targets caterpillars but does not harm people, pests or beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Before applying the chemical, mix it will the appropriate amount of water as stated in its directions. Each brand will have its own specific mixing and usage instructions that you should follow for best results. Once the chemical is mixed, apply once a week covering the tops and bottoms of the leaves. The foliage should be thoroughly covered but not to the point where the chemical is dripping off.

Caring For Mandevilla

No matter what the problem or pest attacking the mandevilla, the best defensive is a healthy plant. Healthy plants can resists pests, diseases and problems better than unhealthy mandevillas, and increases the chance of a full recovery. Mandevillas should receive regular watering, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering. When watering, always do so in the early morning hours to allow the foliage of the plant to dry before the sun sets. This decreases the chance of fungal infections. During the summer months, apply a balanced fertilizer to the vine once every few weeks. Reduce the amount of watering and fertilizing during winter.

About the Author

Despite writing throughout her entire life, Amanda Flanigan’s professional writing career didn’t begin until 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and Pop Sugar, and has published several eBooks on various subjects. Flanigan has also completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College.

Photo Credits

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Home Guides editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.